Terrorist Attack at Starbucks

The Islamic State has taken credit for violence that claimed the lives of three civilians and left 20 wounded at a Starbucks in Jakarta. The dead included a Canadian and two Jakarta residents. An investigation has so far revealed an IS funded attack targeting police involved a suicide bomber who detonated in the Starbucks. Accomplices then shoot tourists and onlookers following the explosion. Terrorists assaulted police in a kiosk nearby.

The Indonesian government blocked more than a dozen websites and social media editors decided to pull coverage of those events due to the terrorist attack near a busy shopping area in Jakarta on Thursday, January 14, 2016.

Five terrorists died in the assault including the leader believed to have organized the midday attack in Central Jakarta. He was known to domestic authorities for some time. Police have since made 12 arrests in Java and Borneo Island.

Starbucks closed its Jakarta stores as a precaution and issued this statement:

“We are deeply saddened by the senseless act that has taken place in Jakarta; our hearts are with the people of Indonesia. Our partners (employees) are all confirmed to be safe. While this store will remain closed, based on the stabilization of the situation being conveyed by local authorities, we will open all other stores in Jakarta and across Indonesia (January 15). We will continue to work closely with local authorities and look to them to provide further updates on what transpired as they learn of these details.”